PhD student in Chemistry – specializing in Molecular Biomimetics Full-time NEW

PhD Student in Chemistry – Specializing in Molecular Biomimetics

Uppsala University, Department of Chemistry – Ångström Laboratory

The Department of Chemistry – Ångström conducts research and education in the chemistry field. The student will be part of the bioinorganic chemistry group within the molecular biomimetics program. Strong cross-disciplinary collaborations are characteristic for the program.

Project description: The project involves biochemistry and biophysics, with a focus on so-called hydrogenase enzymes. Hydrogenases are redox-active metalloenzymes that catalyze the interconversion of protons and molecular hydrogen, enabling molecular hydrogen metabolism central to microbial energy systems. Recent findings have challenged the prevailing view of [FeFe] hydrogenases as fully reversible catalysts, instead revealing enzymes with strong intrinsic catalytic bias toward either hydrogen uptake or production. This project explores the hypothesis that such enzymes act as “metabolic rectifiers,” supporting unidirectional electron flow with minimal energy loss—an adaptation potentially critical for life near thermodynamic limits.

Duties: The doctoral student will participate in a research project with two main objectives: to establish the prevalence of unidirectional catalysis among hydrogenases by characterising enzymes from different ecological and phylogenetic contexts, and to identify the molecular determinants of catalytic directionality through the rational design and analysis of enzyme variants. Complementary studies will aim to develop kinetic models linking thermodynamic reversibility to catalytic directionality. The doctoral student's role in the project will primarily involve the isolation and characterisation of novel [FeFe] hydrogenases, as well as the detailed characterisation of selected enzymes using a combination of electrochemistry and spectroscopy (EPR and FTIR spectroscopy) to elucidate their reaction mechanisms. Writing scientific publications will also be an important part of the position. The work will be carried out in collaboration with other specialists at Uppsala University and at other universities in Sweden and abroad.

Main duties of the doctoral student are to devote themselves to their doctoral studies, which include participation in the research project described above and completion of third-cycle courses. Duties may also include teaching and other departmental responsibilities, corresponding to a maximum of 20% of the working time.

Requirements: To meet the entry requirements for doctoral studies, you must have been awarded a second-cycle degree in biochemistry, biophysics, biotechnology, or equivalent. The candidate must have experience in protein production and isolation and very good oral and written proficiency in English.

Additional qualifications: Experience in spectroscopic studies of proteins is meriting. Experience in electrochemistry or kinetic studies is meriting. Experience in working with hydrogenases or other metalloenzymes is meriting.